In PREDICT, we initially discovered positive health associations for 15 ‘good bacteria'. We have since expanded this list to 50 ‘good bacteria'.

These bacteria are associated with strong metabolism, lower blood pressure, and better blood sugar control. People with these bacteria tend to have fewer signs of dietary inflammation, lower levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, and less abdominal fat mass. These bacteria are also associated with better fat sources which are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-6.

We have also identified 50 ‘bad bacteria’, which have been associated with the opposite effects.

These bacteria are linked with a higher risk of dietary inflammation, higher blood pressure, and poorer glycemic responses. For people with these bacteria, we see more dietary inflammation, higher levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, and greater abdominal fat mass. These bacteria are also associated with poorer fat sources which are low in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and 6.